Horseback Riding

With its vineyards, open spaces, and state parks, the Sonoma Carneros [1] region begs to be explored on horseback in homage to its pioneering history. The Triple Creek Horse Outfit (707/887-8700, www.triplecreekhorseoutfit.com [2], $60) offers guided rides at Jack London State Historic Park and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

These rides, which can last from an hour up to half a day, take you beyond what you can see from the windows of your car. A ride through Jack London Park [3] takes you through the writer’s life in Sonoma and the literary history of the region.

Up on Sugarloaf in the Mayacamas Mountains, you’ll ride along the ridge and get glimpses of both the Sonoma [1] and Napa Valleys [4]. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy the forests and wildlife of Sugarloaf by moonlight on a two-hour full-moon ride.